Application Deadline:

A supplemental application is required. To obtain the supplemental application, please contact the program at www.temple.edu/pathology/.

Letters of Reference:

Number Required: 2

From Whom: Letters of recommendation should come from persons familiar with the student's academic competence.

Coursework Required for Admission Consideration:

TBA

Master's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline:

No.

Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline:

Yes. biology, molecular biology, chemistry or genetics.

Statement of Goals:

Standardized Test Scores:

The GRE is required with a minimum score of 1600.

The GRE Subject Exam in Biology or Chemistry is required.

Minimum TOEFL score or range of scores needed to be accepted:
600 on the paper-based test or 250 on the computer-based test.

Interview:

The Department will schedule individual interviews with qualified applicants.

Resume:

A resume is required.

Advanced Standing:

Students who enter the Ph.D. program in Molecular and Cellular Pathology may be considered for advanced standing based on relevant coursework. Each student is evaluated individually. The maximum number of advanced standing credits awarded is 15.

Test Waivers:

Students who enter the program with exceptional recommendation letters and extensive experience/knowledge may have the admission requirements waived with committee approval.

Program Requirements

Campus Location:

Health Sciences

Full-Time/Part-Time Status:

Students are required to complete the degree program through classes offered after 4:30 p.m.

General Program Requirements:

Number of Didactic Credits Required Beyond the Master's: 31

The Department of Pathology participates in the "Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Sciences" described on the Temple University School of Medicine Graduate Studies Website.

The program requires Ph.D. and M.S. students to take a defined set of courses over the first two years:

-2 courses from the "Foundations of Biosciences Series" of the Interdisciplinary Program, comprising either a basic or advanced biochemistry course, and a course on Molecular and Cell Biology.

About the Program

The program offers students rigorous and advanced training in Molecular and Cellular Pathology. This will be achieved by providing: (a) a multidisciplinary pre-doctoral curriculum which emphasizes basic training in research in an environment where interdisciplinary collaborators are available for trainees and (b) a program which provides students with an overview of the clinical aspects of cancer, including information on detection, treatment, prognosis, therapy, prevention, and control, as well as opportunities in translational research. This program prepares trainees for positions as academians, practitioners, clinicians, and scientific positions in private industry.

Time Limit for Degree Completion: 7 years

Campus Location:

Health Sciences

Students are required to complete the degree program through classes offered after 4:30 p.m.

Department Information:

Dept. of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
700 Medical Research Building

Ranking:

Not applicable.

Accreditation:

Not applicable.

Areas of Specialization:

A common theme of the core investigators participating in this training program is their interest in the molecular basis of cancer and the understanding of the genetic processes involved in the initiation and development of cancer. A number of different molecular models are employed, ranging from DNA tumor viruses to stem cells, and students will develop a broad understanding of the cellular mechanisms that contribute to the development of neoplasia. Predoctoral students will, through the core investigators, have access to standard molecular techniques, as well as more cutting-edge technology, including retrovirus-mediated gene transfer, gene knockouts, and differential display. Students are exposed to the clinical aspects of cancer patient treatment and care to foster an appreciation of the practical impact of their research.

Job Placement:

This program is primarily dedicated to producing well-trained scientists who work as academians, practitioners, clinicians, and researchers in private industry.

Affiliation(s):

Not applicable.

Interdisciplinary Study:

The Molecular and Cellular Pathology Graduate Program
provides vigorous training in basic science as well
as clinical medicine. In addition to taking regular
graduate courses, the trainees are also required to
take clinical pathology courses designed for medical
students. Several of the faculty members have affiliations
with other departments, including the Departments of
Microbiology & Immunology and Biochemistry and the Fels Institute for Cancer Research & Molecular
Biology. A joint M.D./Ph.D. is open to students accepted
by both the graduate and medical schools.

Study Abroad:

No.

Licensure:

Not applicable.

Non-Degree Student Policy:

The program is not available to non-matriculated students.

Financing Opportunities

All new trainees are required to rotate for a period of 2 months through at least three different laboratories during their first year of study. The trainee is expected to spend all available working hours, when not attending classes, engaged in research-related activities. Trainee positions include a waiver of tuition and a stipend. The program is open to students holding a bachelor's or higher degree. Applications may be submitted at any time. The required documents include official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, copies of GRE scores, and a statement of interest. Applications should be directed to Kathy Ayres, Dept. of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, 700 Medical Research Building, 3420 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140.